Last year's breakout hit in the multiplayer gaming world, Arrowhead's Helldivers 2, captivated players with its mission to spread democracy across the stars through intense battles against aliens and robots. Now, following their successful adaptation of Elden Ring, Steamforged Games is bringing the fast-paced, frenetic action of Helldivers 2 to the tabletop. The board game is currently available for backing on Gamefound. IGN had the opportunity to test a prototype and discuss the project with designers Jamie Perkins, Derek Funkhouser, and Nicholas Yu.

Helldivers 2: The Board Game

17 ImagesDevelopment of Helldivers 2: The Board Game began shortly after the video game's launch, aiming to encapsulate the excitement and popularity of the original. This cooperative, objective-based skirmish game accommodates one to four players, with a suggestion for solo players to control two characters. Each player assumes the role of a unique Helldiver class, equipped with distinct perks, action cards, and a powerful one-time "Act of Valor" ability. The demo showcased classes such as the Heavy, Sniper, Pyro, and Captain, each with customizable kits including primary, secondary, and support weapons, grenades, and three strategems.

Gameplay unfolds on dynamic grid-based boards that expand as players explore, revealing sub-objectives and primary mission locations, such as Terminid hatcheries in the prototype. As the mission timer ticks down, players must complete objectives and evacuate, maintaining the game's tense and frenetic atmosphere. The full release will feature multiple objectives and include two main factions, the Terminids and the robotic Automatons, each with 10 unit types. While not confirmed, there's potential for the Illuminate faction to be added via an expansion.

The board game adaptation focuses on tactical, close-up combat with progressively challenging enemies, rather than overwhelming players with sheer numbers. Turns involve players and enemies adding action cards to a shuffled pool, which determines the initiative order. Every fourth action card triggers a random event, adding unpredictability and excitement to the gameplay. Combat is resolved through dice rolls, with each weapon dictating the type and number of dice used, and damage calculated based on the total roll. This streamlined approach to damage calculation keeps the game fast-paced and engaging.

A standout feature is the 'Massed Fire' mechanic, which encourages teamwork by allowing multiple Helldivers to focus fire on the same enemy, simulating the cooperative shooting experience from the video game. While players can explore solo, this mechanic reduces downtime and enhances group play. Enemy attacks, however, are simpler, with set damage or effects and wound cards that introduce negative effects. Players can respawn with full resources after accumulating three wounds, depending on the chosen difficulty level.

One notable omission from the board game is the galactic war element from the video game, a decision made to differentiate the tabletop experience. Instead, the board game is framed as a training simulation for Helldivers, adding a unique narrative twist. The designers have ensured that despite the change in medium, the core feel of Helldivers remains intact, with mechanics like stratagems and a dwindling pool of reinforcements.

At approximately 75-80% completion, the game's core mechanics are nearly finalized, with room for adjustments based on community feedback. Jamie Perkins emphasized that recent concerns about tariffs in the board gaming industry will not delay their plans.

My experience with the prototype was enjoyable, with the random events and Massed Fire mechanic creating memorable moments. However, I felt a slight longing for more minor enemies to clear out, akin to the video game's style. Additionally, I hope for more dynamic enemy attacks to match the game's overall chaotic feel.

I'm excited to see what further surprises Steamforged Games has in store for Helldivers 2. The prototype has left me eager to explore new classes, mission types, and combinations with different enemies and biomes. My friends and I are already planning our next drop.

See more board games based on video games

### Resident Evil 2: The Board Game

3See it at Amazon### Bloodborne: The Board Game

4See it at Amazon### Slay the Spire: The Board Game

2See it at Amazon### Pac-Man: The Board Game

0See it at Amazon### Stardew Valley: The Board Game

4See it at Amazon### Doom: The Board Game

2See it at Amazon